Onychomycosis or nail fungus is a common fungal disease which is often confused with a cosmetic defect.However, unlike cosmetic pathologies, the treatment of onychomycosis is a complex and prolonged process, which not only covers the external manifestation of the disease, but also the internal manifestation.In addition, they can be infected in almost all public places.But about everything in order.
Causes of nail mushroom
The main cause of the nail fungus is yeast and mold.They multiply very quickly, which leads to the destruction of the nail plate.In turn, there are many situations in which these mushrooms can enter into the skin and nails of the human legs.Among these situations, some of the most common:
- Visit a public swimming pool without special shoes;
- Use of someone else's shoes;
- Non-compliance with leg hygiene;
- Reduce human immunity, etc.
Public pools are often a mushroom rod.A large number of infected people come here to swim and do not respect hygiene rules.As a result, healthy people are subject to a significant risk of infection.
The same risk occurs if we take, which is called "rent", someone else's shoes.After all, little admit that he is infected with a fungus.But non-compliance with leg hygiene can be called one of the most common causes of infection by nail mushrooms.Hyperhidrosis and the simple reluctance to wash the legs lead to the fact that microbes appear on the skin and nails that develop quickly in a damp environment.Following this, not only the nail plate, but also the skin of the legs occurs.
Reduction of immunity is not so much a reason as the factor accompanying the infection.In other words, all previous reasons can become more significant if a person's immunity is reduced.And many factors can reduce it, starting with bad habits to the use of antimicrobial drugs.
Nail fungi symptoms
How are nail mushrooms manifest at different stages of development?The symptoms are quite specific, it is therefore worth talking to them in stages in accordance with the degree of damage to the nail:
- In the early stages of infection, a muddy area appears on the nail.It can be located in the center, the side or on the edge of the nail plate.In this case, the type of fungus of the causal agent of the disease is manifested.
- Complete damage to the nail plate.The whole nail becomes cloudy, light scratches appear on it.The surface of the nail begins to change, the sweetness disappears.
- Detachment.Once the whole nail fell under the influence of the fungus, it begins to increase thickness.Little by little, its structure becomes porous.The free edge begins to get up and move away from the finger.
- The appearance of cracks on the skin of the legs.Once the whole nail has already been changed, the fungus is gradually starting to switch to the skin.And the first areas that fall under the influence of microbes are areas between the fingers.
By these symptoms, a person can independently determine the presence of nail mushrooms.However, if the first signs of the disease appeared, you should immediately contact a specialist.
Nail fungus diagnosis
However, a doctor, like the patient, is enough for a single look to understand that the legs of the legs are attenuated by the fungus.And the essence of diagnosis in this case is to determine the type of excitation fungus.Currently, four types of nail mushrooms are known, which differ from each other in the nature of the event:
- Superficial white.This type of fungus is one of the least dangerous and simpler in terms of treatment.With such onychomycosis, only the upper surface of the nail occurs.There is no stratification, the nail does not detach from the skin.
- Distal undergrowth mushroom.This species is almost completely opposed to the previous type.It infects the lower surface of the nail, from there and begins to destroy the nail plate.An increase in the thickness of the nail, the separation of the nail from the skin - in this case, all these symptoms will necessarily appear.
- Mushroom of proximal sublegations.This type of fungus acts in two directions: damage to the nail plate and skin lesions.It appears along the cuticle on the nail and spreads in the two directions, that is to say on the nail and on the skin.The proximal fungus is one of the most dangerous and complex in terms of treatment with a fungus.
- Total dystrophic fungus.This fungus is the result of one of the previous species.It develops when the nail plate is already completely destroyed, the skin around the nail occurred.It manifests itself by inflammatory processes on the skin, accompanied by the accumulation of purulent masses.
Despite the fact that the symptoms of nail fungi are quite special, which allows you to easily diagnose the disease, you should always contact a doctor.Only a doctor will be able to understand the causes of the infection, determine the degree of lesion, choose the correct course of treatment.
Prevention
Like any other disease, onychomycosis is easier to prevent than to heal.In addition, preventive measures here are quite simple and accessible to everyone.First of all, it is respect for leg hygiene.In addition, there are a number of events that will allow, if not to avoid infection, then considerably reduce the risk:
- The use of special cosmetics to eliminate sweating and excessive humidity from the legs.It is also necessary to use moisturizers if the skin of the feet is too dry.This will help avoid cracks and irritation.
- Wear shoes in public pools, do not use someone else's shoes.
- Wash and wipe your legs regularly.It is particularly necessary to pay attention to the areas between the fingers.Here, it is necessary to disinfect periodically with alcohol solutions or cosmetics.
- Disinfected with the bathroom, shoes, troves, etc.
- Maintain immunity.No matter how primitive it seems, but all previous preventive measures can become empty of meaning if immunity is so reduced that it is not able to resist microbes.Regular use of vitamins, walks in fresh air, sports will help maintain your own body protection at the right level.
If prevention has not been observed or has not helped, when the fungus of the nails is detected for the first time, it is necessary to carry out its treatment immediately.Ideally, the doctor prescribes a combined treatment course, made up of external drugs, drugs for oral administration.But you have to say more about it.
Treatment of nail fungi
The nail fungus is one of the most complex diseases in terms of treatment.This is simply explained - the spores of mushrooms mutate and adapt constantly to changing conditions.In other words, if a specific treatment has not produced the desired effect in the first weeks, it is likely that this method includes drugs, to which the fungus easily produces immunity.This is why the treatment should include several methods at the same time.
First of all, it should be understood that the fungus of the nails must be treated not only with external drugs, although the accent is placed on them.Treatment of nail fungi must include taking medication aimed at restoring intestinal microflora and vitamins aimed at restoring immunity.
Thus, the treatment of nail fungi should take place in four planes:
- Local drugs (ointments, gels, varnishes, etc.);
- Antifungal drugs;
- Drugs for gastrointestinal tract;
- Groups of means to maintain and improve immunity.
Each of these planes has its own popular means which have already proven their effectiveness and are in significant demand.These are those drugs that will be discussed further.
Local drugs
Local drugs include all the drugs in contact directly with the place of damage, that is to say with a nail.They are entrusted to the main mission - eliminating a cosmetic defect and the destruction of the spores of the fungus.In the early stages of the disease and small areas of lesion, treatment can only be limited by local medicines.
By the way, it is important to remember that when infected with a fungus, you must make sure that the nail is always dry.This will slow the reproduction and development of infection, as bacteria are increasing more actively in a wet environment.
Antifungal drugs
These drugs are produced in the form of capsules or tablets.As a rule, the duration of the course of these drugs is 3 months to six months.They are only prescribed after having determined the type of fungal pathogen.
All drugs to fight nail fungi are divided into several groups depending on the active substance.
Medicines for gastrointestinal roads
Taking medication in most cases ends with a violation of the intestinal microflora and the functions of the gastrointestinal routes.In particular, antibiotics destroy non -pathogenic bacteria, which actively participate in the digestive process.Symptoms of microflora disorders may be the following signs:
- Stool violations (constipation or diarrhea);
- Bloating and gas formation;
- Pain and discomfort in the abdomen;
- External disorders, such as a rash on the skin, an increase in hair loss, a fragility of the nails and hair.
The microflora can recover independently, but this process will take a long time.This is why any treatment with antifungal antimicrobial drugs should be accompanied by drugs to restore microflora.
Preparations aimed at restoring microflora are combined in a large group called "prebiotic".The essence of their action lies in the population of the digestive tract by bacteria, which restore normal microflora and inhibit the negative effect of harmful microorganisms.The main "good" bacteria that are part of the prebiotics are as follows:
- Bifidobacteria;
- Lactobacilli;
- Enterococci;
- Streptococcus of lactic acid;
- Nepatogenic types of e.Coli;
- Some types of yeast mushrooms.
These bacteria, entering the intestines, fulfill several functions at the same time:
- Develop substances that can withstand infections;
- Eliminate the capacity of harmful bacteria to linger in the digestive tract;
- Destroy toxins and prevent their absorption in the blood;
- Improve the protection of the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract;
- Produce vitamins B;
- Produce antibodies of certain viruses.
By the way, if certain conditions or contraindications do not allow you to take prebiotics, they can be replaced by certain products containing beneficial bacteria.First of all, they are dairy products, yogurts and fruit.
To date, several groups of prebiotics have been created, which differ from each other by the contained bacteria.Thus, these groups are the most famous representatives in them:
- Preparations with bifidobacteria;
- Preparations with lactobateria;
- Preparations with collaboration;
- Complex drugs.They contain bifidobacteria and lactobacilli.
The modern food industry also offers a number of products containing bifidobacteria and lactobacilli.They are regularly announced on television, and stores have a wide selection of their tastes and guys.
Immunity restoration drugs
The immune system of a healthy person can independently fight pathogenic microflora.However, finding an absolutely healthy person with perfect immunity today is almost impossible.Transferred diseases, poor quality nutrition, harmful surrounding conditions, taking certain drugs - all this leads to a violation of natural protection of the body.Therefore, in order to accelerate recovery with onychomycosis, it is necessary to pay attention to this side of the problem.
Currently, there are a large number of drugs to restore the immune system, and all differ considerably.Consider some of them:
- Synthetic immunomodulators;
- Microbial immunomodulators;
- Bone marrow immunomodulators;
- Timic immunomodulators;
- Chemical immunomodulators;
- Plant immunomodulators.
Microbial immunomodulators act as a simulator of the immune system.They restore local and general immunity, which allows you to completely destroy viruses and exclude an additional body infection.
Chemical drugs target the production of proteins by the body, which is capable of resisting the virus.Preparations can also be taken to restore immunity.And to maintain it.In addition, the first effect appears immediately after taking and intensified a few months after consumption.
Timic preparations aim to develop T cells, which are responsible for the confrontation of the attacks of the virus.Bosomedic drugs are produced by mediators, who in turn restore all indicators of the immune system.
Plant preparations include extracts and extracts from plants and herbs that have healing and restoration properties.The most popular are plants such as cranberries, ginseng, raspberries, lemongrass, spray, the must of Saint-Jean, nettle, clover, scalloped, etc.
Traditional medicine in the fight against nail mushrooms
There are a considerable number of people who avoid the use of drugs, explaining this by harmful, the content of the chemical elements in them and in other causes.This is why in this article, we will talk about some of the most effective methods to fight against nail mushrooms in traditional medicine.
Nail mushroom
Vinegar is a powerful disinfector, therefore in the fight against the fungus of the nails which he found quite widely used.In addition, the course of vinegar treatment is relatively short and quite simple.To prepare the solution, it is necessary to mix the vinegar 9% with water in a proportion of 1 to 8, that is to say add 8 parts of pure water to 1 part of vinegar.For men, the amount of water can be reduced by twice because they are generally skin for women.
Before using the solution, the legs and nails should be steamed.To do this, they must be immersed in a pool with lukewarm water and hold until the skin becomes tuberous.After that, the legs should be immersed in a bowl with a prepared vinegar solution.Keep them 15-20 minutes.If the solution burns the skin, the procedure should be reduced.
The processing price lasts only two weeks.In this case, the procedures must be carried out once every two days.After that, the nails are starting to separate and new ones grow in their place.If the disease is at an advanced stage, the course should be repeated 1 to 2 times until complete recovery.
Iodine - the fungus will pass
The course of treatment of nail fungi with iodine is about 3 weeks.Two procedures must be performed one day.It is advisable to do it in the morning and evening.For treatment, lubricate damaged nail plates with iodine.
By the way, doctors recommend applying iodine to healthy nail plates, because under them, an infection can already occur, which is invisible to the human eye.Doctors also note that burn in the application can mean that this treatment benefits.
Birch tar from the nail fungus
For the treatment of nail fungi, drugs based on birch tar can be used.It can be 10 or 30%, or medication with a birch tar.In addition, the drug can be prepared independently.
To prepare the tar, it is necessary to take a bucket with holes below, to fold a birch bark and to hang a bucket on another bucket or pots.The process of obtaining tar is quite long and meticulous, but consequently, you will get a high quality product without impurities.
The price of TAR treatment is 2 weeks.To do this, a birch tar is applied to affected nails, the finger is wrapped in polyethylene.After three to four o'clock, wash the tar.Apply the drug 1 to 2 times a day, depending on the degree of damage.If after the first lesson, complete recovery did not occur, after a week, the course must be repeated.
Vodka will help
Another popular disinfector is vodka.It can be used both for treatment and to prevent nail fungi.To prepare the solution, it is necessary to have a glass of vodka, half a teaspoon of potassium permanganate (potassium permanganate) and a teaspoon of lemon or citric acid juice.Mix all the components carefully.After that, the solution should be left in a cool place for 4 to 5 days.After that, the solution can be considered ready.
For treatment, it is necessary to dip the cotton with the resulting solution, to apply it on the damaged nail and to leave it for several minutes.After that, it must be removed, the nail cannot be wiped.The procedure can be carried out up to 5 times a day.The duration of the course can be any and ends with a complete recovery.
Célandine and soda food
Célinine is one of the most powerful in the fight against plant infections.In pharmacies, celandin is represented in several types both - grass, solution, extract, oil.In our case, celandin oil will be necessary.Before the procedure, it is necessary to clean the nails and legs.To do this, prepare a solution - two tablespoons per liter of lukewarm water.Mix carefully and immerse in the resulting solution for 15 to 20 minutes.After that, you should wipe your legs and apply celandine oil to the affected nail.
It is important to remember that celandin oil must be applied extremely carefully.If it penetrates the skin, it can leave cooking or irritation.
The duration of celandin treatment can be any and ends with complete recovery.
These are the main methods of fighting nail mushrooms.In this article, we talked about all types of treatment and prevention of onychomycosis.In conclusion, we can only add when the first symptoms of the fungus appear, you must immediately consult a doctor, because to cure the disease in the early stages is much easier than advances.